Revel is quitting the crowded ride-sharing business in New York City to focus on electric vehicle charging.
“After 4 years and countless electric rides, we have made the difficult decision to permanently close our rideshare service today,” the company said in an email sent to customers on Monday.
“Revel’s Rideshare service has ended,” a message on the company’s website reads as of Monday. “Moving forward, Revel will continue to grow our Fast Charging business with more sites and cities opening soon.”
The company had offered all EV rideshares in their distinctive bright blue Teslas and Kias for four years. Its drivers had until last year been employees, not independent contractors like rivals Uber and Lyft. However, in June 2024, the company laid off hundreds of employees, including drivers, and and converted to a gig-work model.
“We have made the difficult decision that the best way we can keep the EV transition moving forward is by ending our rideshare service and focusing on building the fast charging infrastructure our biggest cities need to keep going electric,” Revel co-founder and CEO Frank Reig said in a statement.
“We are proud to have been the first all electric rideshare company. For many, their first experience in an EV was in one of our bright blue cars. That spark helped power the electrification of rideshare throughout New York City. Revel cars have gone from being some of the only EVs on the road to being joined by thousands.”
The company, which partnered with Uber on charging stations in New York, plans to add charging stations in the city, as well as in Los Angeles and San Francisco before expanding.
“If you’ve got an EV, we hope you’ll charge up with us,” the email read.
Revel has pivoted once in the past. After beginning as an electric scooter rental company in Bushwick, Revel exited that market following two fatal accidents involving their mopeds.
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